'THE last few weeks have been trying for most people and I want to thank everyone who has managed to get into a routine of staying at home and protecting our NHS, for those who will most need it and shopping in a responsible manner so that there is enough for everyone.

There is at times conflicting information, especially for those who are being told to stay at home unless they are key workers and yet their employer insists they go to work regardless. I have talked with many employers these last weeks and some have responded positively and shut up shop, but others have insisted they are operating safe practices or that they are key workplaces.

I continue to post a lot of information on my website around the rules for employers. My advice to all employers is if you are not doing something that is contributing to the fight against the virus, whether that is health and social care or the many public servants out on the frontline as with the shop workers and those in the food supply chain, if you are not in these categories, then you should shut. If your employer is insisting you, work and you do not think you should be or that there is a danger in your workplace then check out any Trade Union web site or go to mine www.alexrowley.org

On Thursday evening, I joined my neighbours in Kelty at the front door applauding all health, care and frontline workers. If you think about it, we are all a bit scared as we see the devastating results of the spread of the virus and yet all these people are continuing to work on the frontline to help us all. THANK YOU is what we can keep saying, but we can do so much more by staying home, shopping responsibly and following the advice.

My office is open, albeit on a virtual basis, but you can contact us through our e mail alex.rowley.msp@parliament.scot as well as 01592 786725 on Facebook and Twitter.

My website continues to provide up to date information from both Governments as well as the many organisations who are out there to help us get through this dark period in our history.

This is not a time for party politics - it is a time when we must all pull together, stand together and we will get through this together.'